It’s been a few month since Paula Deen was hit with a racial discrimination lawsuit that rocked her world and caused her empire to crumble around her. Since that time, the former Food Network star and The Who Do You Think You Are alum won the lawsuit, and at her first public appearance since the scandal, Deen was greeted with a standing ovation from fans!

Ever since the controversy surrounding Paula Deen using a racial slur nearly 30 years ago made headlines, the former Food Network star has been keeping to herself. But this weekend, Paula made her first public appearance at the Metropolitan Cooking and Entertainment Show in Houston, which vowed to stand by Deen despite the controversy, and she was greeted with a standing ovation. Watching the reaction from her supporters brought Deen to tears, as she told the crowd: “These are tears of joy, y’all. I’ve said all along that the one place I’d want to make my first step back out is Texas. Y’all’s hearts are as big as your state.”

Deen went on to add that she took the time away to reflect and learn from her difficult experience. “I’m sure you know, unless you’re living under a rock, the last few months have been difficult. It was an opportunity to learn. I learned a lot about my self and my business. I just want to thank y’all from bottom of my heart,” Deen continued. Despite the controversy, there was no shortage of Deen supporters and fans at the event, who paid up to $400 per ticket to attend the cooking demonstration.

What do you think about the Paula Deen scandal? Are you thrilled that she won the lawsuit? We know you have an opinion and we want to hear it. Sound off in the comments section below!

“she won the lawsuit”
No,the racial discrimination accusations were true according to several depositions, but Jackson could not claim to be a victim of racial discrimination that targeted PD’s African-American workers because she is white. The remaining claims of sexual harassment and abusive treatment,directly against Jackson validated in several depositions was resolved by a “settlement agreement.”
It can hardly be said PD won the lawsuit!